Nolan Smith meets Uga

Here in late summer when Nolan Sental Smith, Georgia’s multipurposed linebacker, returned home for a promotion for the Boys and Girls Club, he was introduced to Uga X, the Georgia mascot, widely proclaimed by Sports Illustrated as the No. 1 mascot in the nation.

Imitation IS imitation

A decade ago, I launched a new book with a tour that, with three exceptions, took me to large Southern cities and three small Mississippi towns. The exhaustive, two-week tour included Los Angeles, New York City, and the marvelous independent Rainy Day Books in Kansas City.

Sharing some Olympic-sized memories of 1996

It is hard to believe it has been 26 years this week since the Centennial Olympic Games were in Atlanta. They began on July 19, 1996, and wound up August 4th. To refer to them as Atlanta’s Games is not entirely accurate.

Back to writing after brief break

Dear editor: I apologize to everybody. I was so busy last week I didn’t have time to write my letter to the editor. Are you wondering what I was doing? OK. I will tell you. If I didn’t clean my living room, the Board of Health would close 403 Willie Bailey St. down. Really.

Hammerhead (Tape) Worm a danger

Dear editor: Hello to all my friends, colleagues and constituents. My voice has been quiet since the late April, and I have missed seeing and talking to each of you.

Local Option Sales Tax

Dear editor: Congratulations to both Eatonton City Council and the Putnam County Commission. After months of intense negotiation there is an agreement on the distribution of the LOST sales tax.

Law enforcement taking proactive measures

Dear editor: I was very pleased to read the front page article in the Messenger’s July 21 edition regarding law enforcement preparing for active shooter scenarios at Putnam schools. The proactive measures by both our Putnam County Sheriff and Eatonton Police Chief appear both appropriate and timely.

Unexpected surprises in small town life

Dear editor: Living in a small town can have some unexpected surprises, which make living here quite nice. On more than one occasion I have had a kind motorist stop in traffic and allow me to make a left hand turn out of my street onto Highway 44. A small thing, but much appreciated.

Looking back at the British Open

St. Andrews is a place I love and not just for the Open championship which comes about every half dozen years or so. This year was the first time that I have missed the championship at the home of golf since 1971.

Junior E. Lee talks politics and cow ticks

Well, this is interesting. Donald Trump and Joe Biden have something in common besides being a couple of old white guys.